Thieves target outdoor centre for the second time - weeks after security was stepped up

POOLE’S outdoor education centre has been raided twice in the last six weeks.

Both times the boat compound at the centre in Hamworthy Park, run by the Harbour Challenge charity, has been entered and outboard motors stolen.

“I feel frustrated and hurt,” said principal Chris Hurlock. During the first break-in two outboards were stolen and the total cost of the damage and theft totalled £5,600.

The two stolen engines were replaced and now these have been taken along with two others after the fence was broken into, locks cut off a storage container and CCTV smashed during Tuesday night.

“Three brand new engines and one that’s two years old have been stolen,” said Chris.

And this was despite security being beefed up after the first raid, with advice from Hamworthy Safer Neighbourhood Team and cameras installed, which are now linked to the police control room.

He said he was hurt that thieves, who used the centre’s trolleys to wheel the outboards away, had put the charity’s ability to offer sailing, kayaking and other watersports to children, in jeopardy. The previous week they had 150 youngsters out in Poole Harbour.

“Fortunately we have other safety boats, not kept here, we are able to bring these in to continue to be on the water. Effectively if we didn’t have these we would be closed on the water sports side because we would not be able to provide safety cover,” he said.

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“Potentially this could have closed us down while we replaced the engines,” he said. And while insurance covered the first loss, he was unsure what effect this would have on the policy.

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, quoting crime number 23:99.

Harbour Challenge began in 1996 on Brownsea Island, was appointed to run the Outdoor Education Centre by Borough of Poole earlier this year, and is working to get more disabled people on the water.

It has spent £30,000 on the building in the park so far to improve access for people in wheelchairs.

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The charity was awarded £198,000 from Sport England for disability sport and £70,000 is going towards a boat which can takes wheelchairs.

They work with Duke of Edinburgh candidates and provide work experience and volunteer opportunities for youngsters as well as a wide range of activities.

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Comments (22)

Thieves target outdoor centre for the second time - weeks after security was stepped up

pete woodley says...9:33am Sun 27 Jul 14

How sick can people get,this is a very good cause,and needs support not thieving.

How sick can people get,this is a very good cause,and needs support not thieving.pete woodley

How sick can people get,this is a very good cause,and needs support not thieving.

Score: 63

123tango says...10:49am Sun 27 Jul 14

Its getting beyond a joke at Hamworthy Park as I have a beach hut there and its been vandalised twice and tried to break into it 4 times its about time the council provided lighting over there. hope they find who done this as love watching the children out in the boats.

Its getting beyond a joke at Hamworthy Park as I have a beach hut there and its been vandalised twice and tried to break into it 4 times its about time the council provided lighting over there. hope they find who done this as love watching the children out in the boats.123tango

Its getting beyond a joke at Hamworthy Park as I have a beach hut there and its been vandalised twice and tried to break into it 4 times its about time the council provided lighting over there. hope they find who done this as love watching the children out in the boats.

Score: 40

pete woodley says...11:01am Sun 27 Jul 14

In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.

In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.pete woodley

In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.

Score: 29

muscliffman says...1:34pm Sun 27 Jul 14

pete woodley wrote…

In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.

But today using that piece of 4x2 on the vandals would probably get YOU locked up and potentially sued for criminal assault - and that is precisely where it has all gone wrong. However for me these particular thieves sound a little too well informed about what specialist items are in there to steal.

[quote][p][bold]pete woodley[/bold] wrote:
In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.[/p][/quote]But today using that piece of 4x2 on the vandals would probably get YOU locked up and potentially sued for criminal assault - and that is precisely where it has all gone wrong.
However for me these particular thieves sound a little too well informed about what specialist items are in there to steal.muscliffman

pete woodley wrote…

In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.

But today using that piece of 4x2 on the vandals would probably get YOU locked up and potentially sued for criminal assault - and that is precisely where it has all gone wrong. However for me these particular thieves sound a little too well informed about what specialist items are in there to steal.

Score: 30

master plan says...3:05pm Sun 27 Jul 14

Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens

Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happensmaster plan

Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens

Score: 22

Peroni says...3:27pm Sun 27 Jul 14

master plan wrote…

Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens

With informing the police ? Nothing will happen !

[quote][p][bold]master plan[/bold] wrote:
Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens[/p][/quote]With informing the police ?
Nothing will happen !Peroni

master plan wrote…

Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens

With informing the police ? Nothing will happen !

Score: 14

master plan says...3:45pm Sun 27 Jul 14

Peroni wrote…

master plan wrote…

Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens

With informing the police ? Nothing will happen !

We all know that. seeing as we have a photo of one of them and I don't forget a face when I see them about I will be marching them to the police or take them on a long drive to the highlands.

[quote][p][bold]Peroni[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]master plan[/bold] wrote:
Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens[/p][/quote]With informing the police ?
Nothing will happen ![/p][/quote]We all know that. seeing as we have a photo of one of them and I don't forget a face when I see them about I will be marching them to the police or take them on a long drive to the highlands.master plan

Peroni wrote…

master plan wrote…

Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens

With informing the police ? Nothing will happen !

We all know that. seeing as we have a photo of one of them and I don't forget a face when I see them about I will be marching them to the police or take them on a long drive to the highlands.

Score: 17

pete woodley says...5:28pm Sun 27 Jul 14

master plan wrote…

Peroni wrote…

master plan wrote…

Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens

With informing the police ? Nothing will happen !

We all know that. seeing as we have a photo of one of them and I don't forget a face when I see them about I will be marching them to the police or take them on a long drive to the highlands.

Would like to see the picture,as when i am out i always keep my eyes open.

[quote][p][bold]master plan[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Peroni[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]master plan[/bold] wrote:
Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens[/p][/quote]With informing the police ?
Nothing will happen ![/p][/quote]We all know that. seeing as we have a photo of one of them and I don't forget a face when I see them about I will be marching them to the police or take them on a long drive to the highlands.[/p][/quote]Would like to see the picture,as when i am out i always keep my eyes open.pete woodley

master plan wrote…

Peroni wrote…

master plan wrote…

Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens

With informing the police ? Nothing will happen !

We all know that. seeing as we have a photo of one of them and I don't forget a face when I see them about I will be marching them to the police or take them on a long drive to the highlands.

Would like to see the picture,as when i am out i always keep my eyes open.

Score: 7

fairandsquared says...7:52pm Sun 27 Jul 14

What a **** shame for the centre. The centre does a fantastic job getting local kids and others out on the water and helping them to keep busy and healthy. It's a brilliant centre and a real asset to Hamworthy. Let's hope this doesn't chase them away.

What a **** shame for the centre. The centre does a fantastic job getting local kids and others out on the water and helping them to keep busy and healthy. It's a brilliant centre and a real asset to Hamworthy. Let's hope this doesn't chase them away.fairandsquared

What a **** shame for the centre. The centre does a fantastic job getting local kids and others out on the water and helping them to keep busy and healthy. It's a brilliant centre and a real asset to Hamworthy. Let's hope this doesn't chase them away.

Score: 6

stevobath says...8:11pm Sun 27 Jul 14

pete woodley wrote…

In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.

Hang on. Around a month ago you were saying that you knew of security people in the past carrying weapons & that you thought it was wrong & didn't agree with it? Talk about hypocrisy!

[quote][p][bold]pete woodley[/bold] wrote:
In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.[/p][/quote]Hang on. Around a month ago you were saying that you knew of security people in the past carrying weapons & that you thought it was wrong & didn't agree with it?
Talk about hypocrisy!stevobath

pete woodley wrote…

In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.

Hang on. Around a month ago you were saying that you knew of security people in the past carrying weapons & that you thought it was wrong & didn't agree with it? Talk about hypocrisy!

Score: 0

muscliffman says...8:52pm Sun 27 Jul 14

GetOnTheBeerSon wrote…

master plan wrote…

Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens

Find a way of posting the photo and give us the link we can all have a look for you !

Oh no you cannot do that, it infringes the poor little suspects 'human rights', even the UK Police have lately been reluctant to issue or at least illustrate 'wanted' posters for fear of the alleged criminal's legal rights!

[quote][p][bold]GetOnTheBeerSon[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]master plan[/bold] wrote:
Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens[/p][/quote]Find a way of posting the photo and give us the link we can all have a look for you ![/p][/quote]Oh no you cannot do that, it infringes the poor little suspects 'human rights', even the UK Police have lately been reluctant to issue or at least illustrate 'wanted' posters for fear of the alleged criminal's legal rights!muscliffman

GetOnTheBeerSon wrote…

master plan wrote…

Thieves need there hands cutting off! Wife caught someone breaking into the garage last month while I was in Brazil manage to get a photo of him before he made off empty handed and on Friday night while I was watching telly with the bi fold doors fully open a young toe rag walked in!!! He ******* **** himself once I got up. Gave chase along white cliff and into Poole park till I finally lost him gave details to the police. Let's see what happens

Find a way of posting the photo and give us the link we can all have a look for you !

Oh no you cannot do that, it infringes the poor little suspects 'human rights', even the UK Police have lately been reluctant to issue or at least illustrate 'wanted' posters for fear of the alleged criminal's legal rights!

Score: 2

muscliffman says...8:56pm Sun 27 Jul 14

stevobath wrote…

pete woodley wrote…

In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.

Hang on. Around a month ago you were saying that you knew of security people in the past carrying weapons & that you thought it was wrong & didn't agree with it? Talk about hypocrisy!

That's a bit harsh, in my book guns and knives are weapons. A length of nicely plained 4x2 is DIY material - in every sense of the description.

[quote][p][bold]stevobath[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]pete woodley[/bold] wrote:
In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.[/p][/quote]Hang on. Around a month ago you were saying that you knew of security people in the past carrying weapons & that you thought it was wrong & didn't agree with it?
Talk about hypocrisy![/p][/quote]That's a bit harsh, in my book guns and knives are weapons. A length of nicely plained 4x2 is DIY material - in every sense of the description.muscliffman

stevobath wrote…

pete woodley wrote…

In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.

Hang on. Around a month ago you were saying that you knew of security people in the past carrying weapons & that you thought it was wrong & didn't agree with it? Talk about hypocrisy!

That's a bit harsh, in my book guns and knives are weapons. A length of nicely plained 4x2 is DIY material - in every sense of the description.

Score: 3

nickynoodah says...9:19pm Sun 27 Jul 14

Your head is made of wood you know it is George YOU ARE A PLANK it is

Your head is made of wood you know it is George
YOU ARE A PLANK
it isnickynoodah

Your head is made of wood you know it is George YOU ARE A PLANK it is

Score: -4

Letcommonsenseprevail says...9:32pm Sun 27 Jul 14

Only a matter of time before the local toerags started helping themselves. With the amount of kit on display I'm frankly amazed that it took this long for the story to make the headlines.

Only a matter of time before the local toerags started helping themselves. With the amount of kit on display I'm frankly amazed that it took this long for the story to make the headlines.Letcommonsenseprevail

Only a matter of time before the local toerags started helping themselves. With the amount of kit on display I'm frankly amazed that it took this long for the story to make the headlines.

Score: 2

pete woodley says...10:07pm Sun 27 Jul 14

stevobath wrote…

pete woodley wrote…

In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.

Hang on. Around a month ago you were saying that you knew of security people in the past carrying weapons & that you thought it was wrong & didn't agree with it? Talk about hypocrisy!

I was not a security guard,i was protecting my own business.So you are being very silly again,and confused.

[quote][p][bold]stevobath[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]pete woodley[/bold] wrote:
In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.[/p][/quote]Hang on. Around a month ago you were saying that you knew of security people in the past carrying weapons & that you thought it was wrong & didn't agree with it?
Talk about hypocrisy![/p][/quote]I was not a security guard,i was protecting my own business.So you are being very silly again,and confused.pete woodley

stevobath wrote…

pete woodley wrote…

In 1978 i had vandalism on my amusement site on the east cliff,i found a short length of 4x2 helped.

Hang on. Around a month ago you were saying that you knew of security people in the past carrying weapons & that you thought it was wrong & didn't agree with it? Talk about hypocrisy!

I was not a security guard,i was protecting my own business.So you are being very silly again,and confused.

Score: 0

nickynoodah says...8:46am Mon 28 Jul 14

bedsit plankton what are you. take one you know it is

bedsit plankton
what are you.
take one
you know
it
isnickynoodah

bedsit plankton what are you. take one you know it is

Score: -4

The Barrel says...10:09am Mon 28 Jul 14

Every summer same old same old. No faith in police whatsoever. They are totally useless. They are not interested unless it involves one of their own. Local residents getting involved defending their own property is the only way to deal with it. Police are a waste of time and space. Leaches on society boosting their pensions. You report a crime - the police as always, are simply not interested. That's how they manage to claim that the local crime rate is falling - because people have begun to realise this and simply don't bother to waste their time reporting it, as we all know darn well, they will just do sod all about it. And they are most certainly never there to help us when we need them most. So what choice does it leave us with, except to protect ourselves. I think the 4 x 2 plank of DIY wood is the best idea , maybe accompanied by a nice long length of heavy dog chain when walking your "mans best friend".

Every summer same old same old. No faith in police whatsoever. They are totally useless. They are not interested unless it involves one of their own. Local residents getting involved defending their own property is the only way to deal with it. Police are a waste of time and space. Leaches on society boosting their pensions. You report a crime - the police as always, are simply not interested. That's how they manage to claim that the local crime rate is falling - because people have begun to realise this and simply don't bother to waste their time reporting it, as we all know darn well, they will just do sod all about it. And they are most certainly never there to help us when we need them most. So what choice does it leave us with, except to protect ourselves. I think the 4 x 2 plank of DIY wood is the best idea , maybe accompanied by a nice long length of heavy dog chain when walking your "mans best friend".The Barrel

Every summer same old same old. No faith in police whatsoever. They are totally useless. They are not interested unless it involves one of their own. Local residents getting involved defending their own property is the only way to deal with it. Police are a waste of time and space. Leaches on society boosting their pensions. You report a crime - the police as always, are simply not interested. That's how they manage to claim that the local crime rate is falling - because people have begun to realise this and simply don't bother to waste their time reporting it, as we all know darn well, they will just do sod all about it. And they are most certainly never there to help us when we need them most. So what choice does it leave us with, except to protect ourselves. I think the 4 x 2 plank of DIY wood is the best idea , maybe accompanied by a nice long length of heavy dog chain when walking your "mans best friend".

Score: 3

wonderway says...11:05pm Mon 28 Jul 14

it states the cameras there were linked to police station was the control room operator a sleep

it states the cameras there were linked to police station
was the control room operator a sleepwonderway

it states the cameras there were linked to police station was the control room operator a sleep

Score: 0

breamoreboy says...11:41pm Mon 28 Jul 14

nickynoodah wrote…

Your head is made of wood you know it is George YOU ARE A PLANK it is

At least it's solid and not full of air, unlike yours!!!

[quote][p][bold]nickynoodah[/bold] wrote:
Your head is made of wood you know it is George
YOU ARE A PLANK
it is[/p][/quote]At least it's solid and not full of air, unlike yours!!!breamoreboy

nickynoodah wrote…

Your head is made of wood you know it is George YOU ARE A PLANK it is

At least it's solid and not full of air, unlike yours!!!

Score: 0

breamoreboy says...11:43pm Mon 28 Jul 14

nickynoodah wrote…

bedsit plankton what are you. take one you know it is

Please stick with your Polish lessons, it means less time for you to annoy us.

[quote][p][bold]nickynoodah[/bold] wrote:
bedsit plankton
what are you.
take one
you know
it
is[/p][/quote]Please stick with your Polish lessons, it means less time for you to annoy us.breamoreboy

nickynoodah wrote…

bedsit plankton what are you. take one you know it is

Please stick with your Polish lessons, it means less time for you to annoy us.

Score: 0

breamoreboy says...11:45pm Mon 28 Jul 14

wonderway wrote…

it states the cameras there were linked to police station was the control room operator a sleep

Surely you don't expect a police station to be manned at night?

[quote][p][bold]wonderway[/bold] wrote:
it states the cameras there were linked to police station
was the control room operator a sleep[/p][/quote]Surely you don't expect a police station to be manned at night?breamoreboy

wonderway wrote…

it states the cameras there were linked to police station was the control room operator a sleep

Surely you don't expect a police station to be manned at night?

Score: 1

Ebb Tide says...2:27pm Tue 29 Jul 14

Theft of items from moored vessels is common so a black market must exist for relevant items. Store such items on land and, surprise surprise, theft is that much easier. Perhaps our worthy charity should be sited elsewhere so that security is easier to provide and insurance costs lower : Rockley Park might well be suitable (if they could establish some sort of partnership - why not ??) rather than a site in our neglected public park at Hamworthy that has enough problems without introducing an outboard motor "honeypot". Hopefully our police are dealing with the leads created by the black market.

Theft of items from moored vessels is common so a black market must exist for relevant items. Store such items on land and, surprise surprise, theft is that much easier. Perhaps our worthy charity should be sited elsewhere so that security is easier to provide and insurance costs lower : Rockley Park might well be suitable (if they could establish some sort of partnership - why not ??) rather than a site in our neglected public park at Hamworthy that has enough problems without introducing an outboard motor "honeypot".
Hopefully our police are dealing with the leads created by the black market.Ebb Tide

Theft of items from moored vessels is common so a black market must exist for relevant items. Store such items on land and, surprise surprise, theft is that much easier. Perhaps our worthy charity should be sited elsewhere so that security is easier to provide and insurance costs lower : Rockley Park might well be suitable (if they could establish some sort of partnership - why not ??) rather than a site in our neglected public park at Hamworthy that has enough problems without introducing an outboard motor "honeypot". Hopefully our police are dealing with the leads created by the black market.

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